Winnipeg School Division Renames Wolseley School to Little Bluestem

The Winnipeg School Division (WSD) has officially announced that Wolseley School will be renamed Little Bluestem School beginning in the 2026/27 academic year. This decision follows a community-driven process to select a new name for the elementary school, which has been associated with General Garnet Joseph Wolseley, a 19th-century British military leader known for his role in suppressing the Red River Resistance.

The new name, Little Bluestem School, draws inspiration from the native prairie grass that grows along Omand’s Creek in the Wolseley neighbourhood. According to the school division, this name change reflects a deep respect for the area’s history, noting, “The new name honours the deep roots of the neighbourhood, where bison once fed on the native grass and Mé́tis communities long thrived.” The division emphasized that the name symbolizes a connection to the land and highlights the ongoing relationship between plants, animals, and people.

Community Engagement and Decision-Making

The process to rename Wolseley School began in 2024, with the division soliciting input from the community on potential new names. In April, the WSD received various submissions as part of this initiative, allowing local residents to voice their opinions on the school’s identity.

Kathy Heppner, chair of the WSD board of trustees, expressed gratitude to the community for their involvement. “The Board is grateful to everyone who contributed their voices. The new name honours both the place the school calls home and the learning that happens inside its walls,” she stated in a press release.

The school, which has been operational since its establishment in 1921, was originally named after General Wolseley due to his historical significance. However, the decision to change the name aligns with broader societal conversations about the legacy of colonial figures in public spaces. This is not the first instance of a name change within the Winnipeg School Division; in 2022, Cecil Rhodes School was renamed Keewatin Prairie Community School following protests against its colonial namesake.

Looking Ahead

The Winnipeg School Division has indicated that further details regarding the timeline for the renaming, as well as plans for signage and celebratory events, will be shared in the coming months. The division’s commitment to honouring local history and fostering a sense of community is evident in this significant change. As the WSD moves forward, the new name of Little Bluestem School aims to create an inclusive environment that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the area.